Chapter Text
"We were both young when I first saw you. I close my eyes and the flashback starts"
A cool breeze carried the scent of blooming roses and freshly dampened earth, the tranquil sounds of chirping birds and trickling water from the grand stone fountain creating a peaceful backdrop for her readings.
Lost in the intricate diagrams and careful notations of celestial meanings, Ivanna’s world was that of constellations and planetary rotations. Here, in the solitude of the garden, she could think without interruption.
She had just turned a page when the rustling of bushes disrupted her concentration. Footsteps, light but hurried, crunched against the gravel path, growing closer.
Ivanna furrowed her brows and turned her head a little girl emerged from around the corner of the hedge, stepping into the sunlight. Her dress, a simple brown fabric, was slightly tattered at the edges and her shoes dirtied with dried mud. Her dark hair was pulled back into a hastily tied ponytail, stray wisps falling over her round curious face, but there was also a small pink rose was tucked behind her ear, a stark contrast to her otherwise ragged appearance.
The girl stopped abruptly at the sudden sight of Ivanna. She stared, wide-eyed, at Ivanna, her expression alight with awe. “Wow. Are you a princess?”
Ivanna blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question. “W-what? No! What makes you say that?”
The girl beamed, rocking on her heels. “Because you’re wearing a really pretty outfit.”
Ivanna glanced down at herself. Her black skirt, adorned with intricate gold embroidery along the hem, swept down to her ankles, its red lining barely visible beneath the skirts folds. Her polished black ankle boots peeked out beneath the fabric, and her crisp white blouse, complemented by a ruby gemstone brooch pinned neatly at her collar, completed her ensemble.
It was a refined outfit, certainly, but hardly the attire of a princess.
She frowned, recalling her grandfather’s frequent comments about her demeanour. She was not delicate, nor overtly charming—she had never been one to fit the mold of aristocratic grace. Where she never cared for the delicate curtsies and embroidered, delicate gowns that is expected of someone her title. She would rather be studying a night sky, which requires her to be in a practical outfit.
Letting out a small huff, Ivanna turned her sharp gaze back to the child. “For your knowledge, I am Countess Ivanna Robotnik of Green Hills,” she declared. “And why are you here?”
The girl did not seem intimidated by her formal tone, instead she tilted her head, unfazed. “I came with my father. He’s in the big house talking to some important men.” She pointed toward the grand Robotnik mansion with a casual flick of her wrist. The girl’s eyes then drifted to the book in Ivanna’s lap. “What are you reading?”
Ivanna hesitated for a moment, but answered, “If you must know, it is the latest edition of astronomy studies.”
The girls’ brows furrowed. “What’s astronomy?”
Ivanna shut the book with a soft thud, studying the girl as if weighing whether the effort of explanation was worth it. “It is the study of the universe—everything beyond our skies,” she said at last, her gloved fingers tapping the book's cover
“Why do you like looking at the sky?” The girl asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes as she clambered onto the bench beside Ivanna. Settling far too close for her liking. She instinctively scooted a few inches away, though the girl seemed oblivious to the gesture.
Ivanna pursed her lips before answering, “Because it is this world’s greatest mystery and wonder.” She explained, her voice calm but tinged with quiet passion, letting a small smirk curl at the corner of her lips. “And I enjoy challenging my brilliant mind with these mysteries.”
The girl swung her legs slightly, her hands gripping the edge of the bench. “You must be really smart to understand all that,” she said with an admiring grin.
Before Ivanna could respond, a distant male voice called out, though the words were too muffled to understand.
The girl’s head perked up, seeming to recognize the voice immediately. “Oh! That’s my father. I must go now.” She hopped off the bench, then hesitated before turning back to Ivanna. With an eager smile, she plucked the pink rose from behind her ear. “Here!” She held it out. “Thank you for introducing astronomy to me, Miss Ivanna.”
Ivanna stared at the offered flower before slowly taking it, watching as the girl skipped down the path, her small figure disappearing beyond the hedge.
Ivanna lowered her gaze to the rose, twirling the delicate stem between her fingers. Its soft petals brushing against her palm and carrying the faintest fragrance of summer.
It was only then that she realized she had never asked the child’s name.
And then—
Ivanna awoke with a slow blink, the morning light streaming through the velvety drapes over her grand canopy bed, which swayed slightly with the draft from the open window. The faintest scent of roses from the gardens lingering in the rooms air.
Her mind is foggy as she struggles to grasp the details of the dream she was just having. She rubs her temples as the vague feeling lingers, unsure of what it all meant.
With a tired sigh, she sits up, scratching her tangled hair that sticks out in all directions like a wild halo. Mornings like this are the reason she’s thankful for her decision to cut her hair short—at least it’s easier to comb through without tangles. If only the rest of her day could be as simple.
As she runs her fingers through her hair, a soft knock at the door breaks her thoughts. "Enter," Ivanna calls out, her voice groggy from another rough from sleep.
The door opens and Aleia Stone, Ivanna’s ever-dutiful maid-in-waiting, steps inside. She carries a silver tray with breakfast in one hand and a basket of freshly laundered clothes in the other, using her foot to push the door open then shut.
Ivanna quietly watches her as she enters. Stone is ever the image of grace and calm demeanour. And Ivanna has always found comfort in Stone’s calm, composed presence, even if it is paired with an occasional teasing remark. Buts he would never admit this out loud in front of her maid-in-waiting.
Stone’s dark curls were tied back into a messy bun, and a bandanna was tied on to keep stray hairs from getting into her face. Her outfit today was a simple lavender dress, as well as a skirt apron, matched with a floral embroidery bodice.
“Good morning, Countess. I trust you slept well?” Stone greeted, her voice as steady and pleasant as ever.
"Stone, the more you ask, nothing changes my restless nights." Ivanna mutters, rubbing her temple, feeling the faint headache lingering from another late night.
"I see," Stone replies softly, carefully places the basket of clothes on the wardrobe and moves toward Ivanna’s bedside, gently setting the tray of food in front of her. “Then perhaps after breakfast, a warm bath would help ease any tensions, my lady?" she suggests, always considering her mistress’ well-being, always knowing just how to suggest comfort without being overbearing.
Ivanna looks at the tray, her stomach rumbling softly at the sight of a fresh made meal. “Hmm. Yes, Stone, I’d like that,” she replies.
Stone bows her head respectfully. "Very well, Countess." She leaves the bedchamber room and enters the bathroom. Ivanna then hears the soft rush of water filling the bath.
She turns her attention back to the tray before her, her stomach responding to the scent of fresh food. The tray holds a small bowl of fruit, sweet and vibrant, freshly picked from the garden. Beside it, a saucer of caramel sauce glistens, tempting her to dip the fruit in it. There were also pancakes—three thick, fluffy rounds piled high and drizzled with syrup. Beside it all sits a freshly brewed cup of coffee, the steam curling lazily from the dark liquid. Ivanna reaches for the coffee first, savouring the warmth as it seeps into her tired bones, the familiar comfort she relies on every morning.
Unlike the other noblewomen, who relied on hired cooks and servants, Ivanna only allows one person to prepare her meals and drinks: Stone.
After a particularly harrowing incident where someone tried to poison her meal and it was Stone who caught on and saved Ivanna’s life, she began to trust only Stone with preparing her meals, drinks and other duties other maids would attend to. Stone was able to manage it all on her own.
But making Stone her personal maid-in-waiting wasn’t only for safety but also, quite simply, Stone’s meals are the best Ivanna has ever tasted. But Ivanna having a cold heart reputation to keep up, she keeps her personal likings about Stone’s cooking’s to herself.
The sound of running water in the bathroom stops, and moments later, Stone emerges. She moves quietly, as if the world around her doesn’t need to be disturbed, toward the basket of clothes. Ivanna watches her as she starts pulling out garments, folding and placing them carefully into drawers.
“Are you excited for the party tonight, Countess?” Stone asks, her voice curious as well as respectful.
Ivanna stirs her coffee absentmindedly, her gaze drifting to the window where the first light of day breaks through the clouds. "If by 'excited' you mean dreading, then yes, I am very excited," Ivanna replies, her words laced with dry sarcasm. She then leans back against her pillows, sipping her coffee again, though it’s clear her mind is elsewhere. "The only enthusiasm I’ll be experiencing is the enthusiasm of my feet when I make my escape to the nearest balcony for some fresh air. But alas, it will just be another night of pretending, of smiling at fools and their endless compliments. I would much prefer to stay here, in my room with nothing but myself and my studies."
Then an idea came to Ivanna’s mind.
"Stone," she says, her voice firmer now.
"Yes, Countess?" Stone responds, turning her full attention to Ivanna.
Ivanna hesitates, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her blanket. "Have you ever... attended one of these parties?"
Stone blinks in surprise. "No, Countess. Servants typically do not attend such events. My place is here, ensuring your safety and that everything runs smoothly for you."
Ivanna's lips press into a thin line as she considers this. "Then perhaps it's time that changes."
Stone’s brow furrows slightly. "What do you mean?"
Ivanna straightens, sitting up a little taller. "I want you to attend tonight's party. Not as a servant, but as my company."
Stone’s eyes widen, and she takes a small step back, as though the very idea is too much to process. "Countess, I—I don’t think that’s appropriate. What would the others say? What would—"
Ivanna cuts her off with a wave of her hand. "What they say is of no concern to me. The invitation clearly stated can bring one extra guest with me. Nothing said I could not bring my maid-in-waiting. But if anyone has an issue with it, they can keep it to themselves or face me if they dare."
"Countess, I—" Stone hesitates, clearly overwhelmed by the suggestion. "I don’t know what to say. I—"
"Say you’ll join me," Ivanna interrupts gently, her expression hopeful in a way that Stone has rarely seen.
After a long pause, Stone nods slowly, a small, uncertain smile forming on her lips. "If that is what you wish, Countess, then... I will."
Ivanna’s smile widens, clapping her hands together. "Good. Then it’s settled." She picks up her coffee again, the tension in her posture easing for the first time that morning. "We’ll have to ensure you have something suitable to wear, of course. You can’t attend in your usual attire."
Stone blushes faintly, her hands instinctively brushing over her simple dress. "I’m sure I can find something more formal to wear for the evening, Countess. I’ll do my best not to embarrass you."
"You could never embarrass me," Ivanna replies softly, her gaze lingering on Stone for a moment longer than necessary. “And I hope we can both find a moment of peace among the chaos."
Stone bows her head, her heart fluttering in her chest. "As you wish, Countess."
As Stone leaves the room to prepare for the day ahead, Ivanna watches her go, a small, private smile playing on her lips. For the first time in a long while, the thought of the evening’s party doesn’t feel so dreadful. Perhaps, with Stone by her side, it might even be something to look forward to.